MOF-derived bimetal oxides NiO/NiCo2O4 with different morphologies as anodes for high-performance lithium-ion battery

Bimetal oxides NiO/NiCo2O4 were successfully fabricated by using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as the precursor. The prepared NiO/NiCo2O4 showed hollow sphere and rod-like structures, respectively. When evaluated as an anode material for lithium-ion battery, a sphere-like NiO/NiCo2O4 showed an initial discharge capacity of 1778 mAh/g and reversible capacity of 920 mAh/g at 100 mA/g after 100 cycles. And a rod-like NiO/NiCo2O4 displayed initial discharge capacity of 1800 mAh/g and stabilized at an average capacity of 1198 mAh/g after 100 cycles. The results showed that the materials with the rod-like structure were much more stable and had better rate capability and more superior cyclic stability. The rod-like structure had a shorter transmission distance of Li+, which could maintain its stable rod-like structure in the long-term cycle. This strategy could shed light on designing stable electrode materials for conversion devices and energy storages.